Focus on Leadership: Pat Oakley reflects on his three-decade career in the wood flooring business – April 2026

Interview by Kemp Harr

Ohio native Pat Oakley accepted a position with Harris-Tarkett in 1997, hired by Neil Poland to develop a laminate flooring line to complement Harris-Tarkett’s hardwood program. One year later when Poland left Harris-Tarkett to serve as president of Mullican, Pat followed him to take a regional sales manager role. 

In 2005, Pat was promoted to national sales manager and in 2017 became vice president of sales and marketing. In January 2024, Pat was tapped as president of the organization, following Poland’s transition to executive chairman.  

Pat and his wife, Wendy, live in Johnson City, Tennessee. They share a grown son named Jacob. 

Q: What was it like to grow up in the heartland of America, and how do you feel that impacted who you became as a leader?

A: I grew up in Marysville, Ohio, a small farming community of around 5,000 people, where the main industries were manufacturing and agriculture. It was a blue-collar community and also a very family-oriented and proud town where everyone knew each other. 

My family lived on a cul-de-sac, which served as a venue for basketball games, street hockey, home-run derby and football. With the help of my dad and my two older brothers, we built a three-story treehouse in a massive oak tree in our backyard. It was the neighborhood hangout. 

With so much demand from local farmers for part-time workers, we always had opportunities to make money. Baling hay and working in 100-degree barn lofts was a rite of passage growing up and a path to making that first paycheck. It certainly made an impression on me, and I am sure it influenced how I think about leadership.

Q: What is your leadership style, and why does it work for you?

A: I have followed the careers of successful leaders in both business and sports, and have come to realize that there is not a blueprint for leadership. Everyone has their own style—some leaders are quiet, others are more vocal. It’s important to follow what is natural to you and not try to emulate someone else. Look at legendary football coach Bill Parcells—he is very in-your-face, very vocal, a tough leader. If you are a quiet leader and try to be Parcells, you will struggle to connect with your team. The key to successful leadership is staying true to who you are and following your values. Leadership isn’t something you can fake. People see through that. 

I find that it is easier to reach company goals if you have leaders at all levels of the organization, not just leadership at the top. This requires identifying your best performers and making sure they are in the right positions to lead. 

Q: What are the character traits of a true leader?

A: Genuine humility and constant awareness of self, others and the circumstances are foundational to building trust and leading well. Listening to your team and customers is more important than talking.

Q: What character traits do you look for when you are adding to your team?

A: Teachability and ownership. We are looking for team members who are eager to learn, grow and constantly improve. We are also looking for people who take responsibility for their actions and outcomes with a high sense of ownership for serving our customers and their fellow workers. 

Q: What event in your career shaped how you approach business challenges? 

A: The housing crash in 2007 led to a significant downturn in our business. With the collapse of the builder market, we invested in new products to target the residential replacement business and allocated marketing dollars to reach homeowners planning remodel projects. It was a slow recovery, but our ability to change and adjust quickly helped us survive a difficult time.  

Q: What is the biggest challenge the hardwood flooring business needs to overcome? 

A: Our biggest challenge is educating the consumer about the benefits and value of hardwood flooring versus the imitators LVT and laminate. There is a growing group of people within the distribution, contractor and dealer channels who are passionate about the hardwood industry and recognize that we need to do more to promote hardwood. I am excited to see the introduction of the Woodpicker campaign, which was initiated by UCX and Mullican Flooring. We are in the beginning stages and certainly expect other manufacturers will join our efforts as we move forward. 

Q: Why do you think hardwood flooring is the best option not only for homeowners but in certain commercial projects, as well? 

A: Nothing can compare to the natural beauty and performance of real hardwood. It looks different and feels better to walk on than artificial, plastic floors. Hardwood is a proven performer and has been around for centuries. Hardwood provides the highest return on investment, can be refinished and is one of the most desirable home features, according to real estate professionals. More importantly, it is 100% sustainable and has the best environmental story. 

Q: What is Mullican’s brand promise to its retail customers?

A: To be the premier manufacturer of hardwood flooring by consistently improving the quality and design of our products. To add value to our customers through a relentless commitment to innovation, performance and customer service. We achieve these through a culture of integrity, teamwork and purpose.

Q: Who are your mentors, and what did they teach you? 

A: I have worked with Neil Poland for 30 years, and he emphasized several things that I still follow today. Hire people who have an entrepreneurial spirit as they will be your best leaders. Don’t be afraid to take risks because without them you can’t grow and seize new opportunities. Last, but most importantly, character trumps everything. 

Q: What do you and Wendy do for fun when you’re not focused on work? 

A: We enjoy attending sporting events and usually make it to Columbus a few times a year for football games. We also both like to play golf and travel. 

Q: What advice do you give your son about what it takes to be successful and happy? 

A: Nothing that is easy or given is worth much, so be prepared to work hard for your achievements.